Process for manufacturing reconstituted squid

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for manufacturing reconstituted squid into ring shapes. The eatable parts of the cephalopods are washed and minced together at below zero temperatures. The pieces are then compacted into ring shaped molds. The product maintains its ring shape due to a high cohesion of the surface protein of each piece. The rings can then be dipped into batter or breadcrumbs and are then frozen.

I claim: 
     
       1. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid shaped into rings which consists essentially of: a. washing eatable parts of a cephalopod   b. mincing the eatable parts into pieces at a temperature of -10° C. to -3° C.   
     
     
       2. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid, according to claim 1, wherein compressing additives are added during the mincing stage. 
     
     
       3. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid, according to claim 2, wherein the additives are a mixture of 1-2% of salt, 3-5% of alginates and 5-10% of ice. 
     
     
       4. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid, according to claim 2, wherein compressing additives are pre-gelatinized starch, natural rubbers, carboxymethyl cellulose or gelatin. 
     
     
       5. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid, according to claim 1, wherein, before being dipped in batter, the ring is dipped in a 4-6% calcium chloride bath for about 15-25 seconds. 
     
     
       6. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid into ring-shapes according to claim 1 wherein the eatable parts of the Cephalopod are mantle, tentacles and wings. 
     
     
       7. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid into ring-shapes according to claim 1 wherein the mincing step is carried out in a cutter until all the pieces are less than or equal to 20 mm in length. 
     
     
       8. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid into ring-shapes according to claim 1 further comprising compacting the minced pieces in a hopper and embedding them into ring-shaped molds. 
     
     
       9. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid into ring-shapes according to claim 1 wherein formation of the ring involves the use of a machine applying pressure by a piston to compact the minced pieces and embed them into several ring-shaped molds. 
     
     
       10. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid into ring-shapes according to claim 1 wherein the ring shapes are removed from the molds by another piston which sets in the mold and ejects the rings by using pressurized air. 
     
     
       11. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid into ring shapes according to claim 1 wherein the ring retains its shape due a high cohesion of surface protein of each piece of the minced product. 
     
     
       12. A process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid shaped into rings consisting of the following steps: a. washing eatable parts of a cephalopod   b. mincing the eatable parts into pieces at a temperature of -10° C. to -3° C.   c. compacting the pieces in a ring shaped mold for producing a ring unified by mollusc protein cohesion at below zero temperatures to hold said ring shape;   d. dipping the ring in batter or breadcrumbs, and then   e. freezing the ring.   
     
     
       13. The process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid according to claim 12 wherein compressing additives are added during the mincing step. 
     
     
       14. The process for the manufacture of reconstituted squid according to claim 12 wherein, before being dipped in batter, the ring is dipped in a 4-6% calcium chloride bath for about 15-25 seconds.